WGV at White Gum Valley secures key sustainability award

LandCorp's revolutionary WGV estate has won the Urban Development Institute of Australia (WA) Sustainable Urban Development award, adding to a growing list of accolades for what is one of the most remarkable residential estates in Australia.

The award recognises the thoughtful work of WA land and infrastructure development agency LandCorp in managing environmental, social and economic elements of the project, in order to deliver a highly sustainable urban community.

The flagship WGV residential estate is an Innovation through Demonstration project, in which LandCorp sought to demonstrate ways in which increased density could be achieved in a sympathetic way that responded to the local character and culture of an established suburb.

The project has exceeded expectations, and LandCorp's multi-disciplinary team has delivered an attractive, sustainable estate that offers a diverse mix of housing typologies at cost-effective price points, while setting a new benchmark for energy and water efficiency for the estate and individual dwellings.

Social sustainability has been achieved through meaningful involvement of the local community, including one of LandCorp's most significant engagement and partnership programs to date. Measures have been undertaken to develop community capacity in areas including sustainable living and water use, while the open source approach at the site has shared innovations with industry.

Economic sustainability has also been a feature of the estate, with the design allowing for easier transport options for residents seeking to commute as well as the opportunity for local artists and artisans to relocate to novel group housing at the site — ensuring the area's rich history of artistic endeavour can continue.

LandCorp Chief Executive Frank Marra said measures implemented at WGV made the estate a highly attractive place to live.

"Future residents at the estate will move into a community that is unlike anything else in Western Australia," he said.

"WGV is exceeding its promise at every level – demonstrating new options for housing models, environmental measures, sustainable design and community engagement.

"We are delighted to receive this award, which recognises the work our people have put in to creating a sustainable, replicable, inspirational estate that demonstrates a smarter way to live."